The $250,000 renovations to the Coors Fitness Center were completed last week, giving students additional room to work out.
B Changes were made to both maximize the space available in the fitness center and improve the functionality of the gym.B
The layout was designed to create a specific area for each type of exercise and fitness level.
The main entryway changed to channel users through the concourse door on the southwest side of the building.B
The new entrance is adjacent to a new front desk.B
The rethinking of the space made room for additional cardio apparatus, new weight machines and new low-impact circuit training machines.B All the recumbent and upright bikes were also replaced.
A new designated stretching area is located on the second level of the fitness center.
The area that was formerly the Heckman Pro Shop is now a multi-purpose studio space, which will be used for a children’s club, yoga and other fitness classes.B The space will also be available for club sports’ use.B
The renovation took approximately two months to complete.B Construction started during the summer and was finished during the second week of September.B
“Whatever fitness level you are, you can find your fit,” said Tiffany Ulatowski, director of aquatics and fitness at the Ritchie Center.B
The remodel was also aimed at accommodating the growing student population and community membership.B
“We wanted to better service the needs of our community and especially our students,” Ulatowski said.
Students have mixed feelings about the changes.B
B “I don’t know how much it needed renovation,” said junior Ben Cole.B
Tyler Van Brunt, a first-year grad student, approved of the new weight machines.B
“All I really noticed was the equipment.B I like it a lot better,” said Van Brunt.
Senior Stevie Elliott said that at first she did not like the renovations because she did not know about the upstairs stretching area.B
However, she did notice the increase in space.
“I think there’s more space. It feels a little more open and less crowded,” said Elliott.
